Britax B-Safe vs B-Safe 35 Elite Reviewed

Britax B-SafeBritax B-Safe 35 Elite

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The Britax B-Safe 35 Elite has Arrived!

As promised, the new Britax B-Safe 35 Elite has finally arrived as an additional option for those looking for an infant car seat with high quality premium features.

EDIT: The original B-Safe has now been discontinued.

The new “B-Safe 35 Elite″ seat is clearly an improvement on the older B-Safe model (see below), but what exactly are the important differences and similarities between these 2 seats and which one is most suitable for your child’s needs and your budget?

So, what are the main similarities and differences between the Britax B-Safe and B-Safe 35 Elite seats?

Britax B-Safe vs B-Safe 35 Elite– The Main Similarities

#1Child Height Limits

Although the B-Safe 35 Elite comes with a higher child weight limit than the B-Safe (see below), the maximum child height limit remains at 32 inches for both seats.

This makes both seats amongst the best on the market when it comes to maximum child height limits. Since children very often outgrow their infant seats by height before they outgrow them by weight, this is possibly the most important number to look out for when choosing an infant seat that will last a long time.

#2Seated Shoulder Height

Again, both seats have the same seated shoulder height of between 6.5 and 11 inches.

#3Built-In Lockoffs

For those parents that need to install their seat using the adult seatbelt rather than LATCH connectors, both seats come with built-in lockoffs to make it much easier to get a snug and secure installation.

Other similarities include:

Latch Installation

5-Point Harness

Comfortable Energy-absorbing Foam Inserts

Multiple Buckle Positions

Stroller Compatible

Certified for Aircraft Travel

Britax B-Safe vs B-Safe 35 Elite – The Main Differences

#1Child Weight Limits

As I have already mentioned these seats have different maximum weight limits. In fact, the “35″ part of the model name reflects the fact that maximum weight has been increased to 35 lbs.

The B-Safe is suitable for babies weighing between 4 and 30 lbs.

The B-Safe 35Elite is suitable for babies weighing between 4 and 35 lbs.

For some babies, this will mean that they will be able to use their infant seat for longer before having to transition into a convertible or harness-to-booster car seat – much will depend upon their specific physical build. Since the maximum height limit remains the same for both seats, short and heavy babies are far more likely to be able to take advantage of the higher weight limit on the B-Safe 35 Elite than those that are tall and thin.

Of course, when you are buying an infant seat for your child, you won’t know exactly how they are likely to develop in their first 12 months or so. If your budget can stretch to the price of the B-Safe 35 Elite, the extra 5 lbs weight limit might be worth paying for. However, don’t be surprised if you don’t actually get to use it beyond 30 lbs because you baby has already exceeded the 32 inch height limit!

#2Integrated Steel Bars

It is claimed that these integrated steel bars strengthen the connection between the vehicle and the seat, thereby reducing forwards flexion of the child seat during a collision. One of the biggest risks to the health of your child during a collision is their body striking against part of the internal fittings within your vehicle, such as the back of the front seat. Reduced seat flexion due to the steel bars reduces the risk of such a traumatic event occurring.

#4Seating Adjustments

The B-Safe 35 Elite has 2 more harness slot height positions than the B-Safe, but both have 2 crotch buckle strap depths.

The B-Safe options are:

Harness Slot Heights at 5/7/9/12 inches

Crotch Buckle Strap Depths of 3.5 & 5.5 inches

The B-Safe 35 Elite options are:

Harness Slot Heights at 5.5/6.5/8/8.75/10/11 inches

Crotch Buckle Strap Depths of 4 & 6 inches

Britax have also re-positioned the strap-adjustment button so that it is no longer hidden underneath the seat fabric. The button is now very easy to find and operate without having to fish around underneath.

#5Seat Weight

The B-Safe seat weighs 9.8 lbs.

The B-Safe 35 Elite weighs 11.5 lbs.

So, the additional features on the B-Safe 35 Elite mean that it is almost 2 lbs heavier.

#6Harness Adjustments

The B-Safe harness requires re-threading each and every time that you want to adjust it’s height.

The B-Safe 35 Elite’s harness can be adjusted very simply and without needing to re-thread it.

Although the B-Safe’s harness adjustment system is pretty straightforward to use, some people will prefer the convenience of being able to make the changes without having to re-thread the harness.

Britax B-Safe & B-Safe 35 Seats in Canada

Safety Information

After purchasing any child car seat, you should always read the User Manual thoroughly before using it. It is also advisable to visit your local Fire Department or NHTSA Child Car Seat Inspection Centre to ensure that the seat is definitely suitable for your child’s specific requirements and that you have installed it correctly. These services are usually provided free of charge.